Valdez, Alaska - July 8 & 9, 2004 (Re-run)

 Since I am now home in Sierra Vista with no plans for travel before Spring, I have decided to resume posting "re-runs" from the 2004 trip to Alaska, starting with the town of Valdez.

The northernmost ice free harbor in the U.S., Valdez is a major port for receiving supplies destined for the Alaska interior and for exporting oil from the Alaska pipeline.  The Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989 put the spotlight on the town, but it is the only significant incident in more than 15,000 tankers that have left the port since the pipeline was completed in 1977.  There is also a modest tourist industry here due to spectacular scenery and being a stop on the Alaska ferry system.  One attraction that we enjoyed was a boat tour of Prince William Sound to see Columbia Glacier.  There was also plenty of wildlife to see along the way.

When the 1964 earthquake struck, Valdez suffered catastrophic damage.  Built on a foundation of silt, the underlying earth became liquid and sank, causing a tsunami that killed 32 people.  Over the next several years, what remained of the town was moved to a safer location four miles away.  Remnants of the original town can still be seen.

During the gold rush of 1898, Valdez was touted by some to be an easier route to the gold fields without having to go through Canada.  However, this proved to be untrue.  Not only was the route longer, but more difficult.  Many prospectors became ill and died due to harsh conditions and lack of supplies.  I doubt they enjoyed the scenery as much as we did.